The announcement was made this morning on the show, with the delighted Gardner saying she was “thrilled” to be returning.

“When this opportunity presented itself I decided to grab it with both hands and run with it,” she told 9Honey.

Gardner said it felt like the timing was right. She departed the show in 2014 to spend more time with her family – husband Tim Baker and children Bronte, 12, and Angus, 10.

As for her decision to leave three years ago, Georgie says, Home 9Honey News Georgie Gardner to co-host TODAY in 2018 By Jo Abi 20 minutes ago FShare PPin it TTweet BMail Nine Network has confirmed Georgie Gardner will be the new co-host of TODAY in 2018.

The popular presenter will be returning to the show after a three-year absence to join Karl Stefanovic, news presenter Sylvia Jefferies, sports reporter Tim Gilbert and weather presenter Natalia Cooper as well as entertainment editor Richard Wilkins.

The announcement was made this morning on the show, with the delighted Gardner saying she was “thrilled” to be returning. “When this opportunity presented itself I decided to grab it with both hands and run with it,” she told 9Honey.

Gardner said it felt like the timing was right. She departed the show in 2014 to spend more time with her family – husband Tim Baker and children Bronte, 12, and Angus, 10. Gardner left TODAY in 2014 to spend more time with her family.

“Making that decision three years ago to pull back on the work front was definitely the right call and it’s not lost on me how lucky I was to be able to make that choice. Not all working parents have that luxury.”

During that time Gardner says her family evolved into a ‘cohesive unit’, one in which everyone’s ambitions are supported equally.

“The new routine will shake things up on the home front, there’s no doubt, but they’re up for it,” she said of what is sure to be a hectic New Year schedule.

“Unlike last time the kids are older, they’re more independent and to be honest this is going to give them a chance to step up.”

Daughter Bronte, 12, will be starting high school next year and Angus, 10 the final year of primary school. “We’re like any other family with working parents.

“There’ll be days when things come unstuck and I’ll be scrambling to keep up, but that’s life. It will put us all to the test, but my family all agree this is a wonderful opportunity and we are all in it together.”

Lisa Wilkinson was quick to congratulate her long time friend on Twitter; ‘Warmest congratulations to my friend @GeorgieG who has just been announced as the new co-host of @TheTodayShow. She will nail it. #9today